Brazil vs USA

That's the last match of this group in Torino, where USA have one win(3:0 against Russia) and Brazil also have one win(3:2 against Russia), so it's absolutely sure both teams continue to the next round- semifinals. The only question infront of them is how they will finish- which team will take the top spot and which will be second.It''s not surprising this is the first match in the schedule, so they won't have the chance to choose their opponent in the SFs, that's why I doubt they will rely on players from the second team.

USA need TWO games to finish in 1st place in the group, but they have only wins during the world championship and if they take the lead with 2:0 or 2:1, the chances to win the match are very, very high. John Speraw's team looks from totally different level in comparison with the others. Even when they make a lot of errors on serve, they find the way to win not only the matches, but these difficult games. USA finally made the changes they have to freshen the squad and now they are in absolutely top form and maybe have the best coach in the championship, which is also a big bonus. Without Bernardo Rezende and Vladimir Alekno I don't see any coach on his level.

Brazil showed so much weaknesses during the championship, so I don't know how to start analysing them. Against Egypt they suffered such a shock display in attack, when Egypt blockers made fun with them. When were like a wall for the Brazil players and if they have better attacking players, they could take something from the match. Netherlands were the best example how to make Brazil players get out of their nerves and to beat themselves with a lot of unforced errors. Belgium also took 2:0 lead against them, but couldn't find the way to finish the match in their favour. Brazil were in the same position in their first match against Russia in Torino, but also came back from 0:2 in a lot of close games. I just don't see how this team will win against the USA machine, when on the bench is not Bernardo Rezende, but Renan Dal Zotto. He doesn't have the influence on the players Bernardo Rezende had in the past.

I don't underestimate Brazil, they are truly champions and now what to make to play in the big final. I will not be surprised if del Zotto makes some changes and takes some of his best players out for today's match to rest them for the most important match right now- the semifinals! He realizes that even with his best players it will be so hard to take 3:0 or 3:1 win, which only can give them the first place, so it's not needed to play his jokers right now. USA want to enlarge their win streak until the SFs and they look like to be much more motivated today having the game and point advantage(H2H against Russia) before the match against Brazil.

Serbia qualified for the next round, but it's almost 100% sure they will finish 2nd in the group. Poland need one games against Italy tonight to take the top spot and I doubt they will fail. So if it doesn't happen a big surprise tonight, the SFs are clear- Poland against Brazil and USA against Serbia!